"Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else." Judy Garland

I have had this quote on my blog at Lauriepace.blogspot.com since 2007. When the art world grew and multiplied by thousands exploding across the internet, it was so tempting to fall into painting what everyone else was painting... and maybe even copying someone's work. When one artist painted apples, there were thousands of apple paintings. When an artist painted a redbird, there followed thousands of redbirds. When an art students went to a workshop and did a "Follow me Painting " with the instructor... they ended up with a painting that looks just like the instructors.

I have taught art for 35 years. The one thing that does not ever change is the need for an artist, an artist of ANY age, from age 2 to age 102, to do art for themselves, be creative for themselves and enjoy the journey for themselves. That means creating something that has a message for the artist, or a journey for the artist to experience.

So be it in art, or life itself, find your voice. Find your strength. Find YOU. You are beautiful just like you are as God made you.

Psalm 139:13 NIV

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb

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Laurie Justus Pace Contemporary Texas Artist

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